Yesterdays Daily Express gave a very good insight in Warren Gatlans reasons for taking Andy Farrell instead of Shaun Edwards on the Lions tour.
In the article he says that leaving out Shaun was one of the most agonising desicions he has ever had to make.
But he goes on to say that having talked to coaches and players who have worked with Andy he is excited at the prospect of working with him.He is excited by the freshness and new ideas Andy would bring to the coaching team and also by the impact he had in the recent great win of England over the All Blacks.

On the same page of the Express an Article by a sports reporter gives another insight into what may behind the move.
When speaking about the relevant coaches he says, "Farrells powers of inspiration are no less than Edwards,but without the occasionally manic edge which can be counter productive".
Who do you think would make the better RL coach of the two,would Andy get more out of thr players with his quiete authoriety or would Shaun drive them with the same intensity he used to show when playing ?.

My own opinion is that Shaun would be to much of an Alex Murphy type and how he put the fear of god into players years ago would not work with modern players today.

I think that as coaches they would make a brilliant pair, however the egos may get in the way as they both like to be "in charge". I believe either could do a good job, but do share your concerns about the Edwards style, although I suspect it could be fun to watch.
If fans think Wane is intense, Edwards would take it up another notch or two.

I just think it's very sad for the game of RL that two former powerhouses of the game are being given their coaching opportunities in another sport.

Wouldn't want him as our coach, ever. No experience what so ever coaching RL. The myth about him coaching the grand slam team is ridiculous, Dean Bell took most training sessions and lets be honest, it was hardly a difficult team to coach was it?

Saw Edwards on "time of our lives" and he came across to me as an arrogant, self ed horrible little creature. He's a Wigan great, of course he is, but a Wigan coach.....no thanks.

Your entitled to your opinion. Same as I am to mine.
It was well known at the time and stated by westy the involvement of Edwards.
I know giz and he's not like you think at all.
But if I'm right and he does ccoach us one day we shall see.

I love the idea that Faz is quiet and calm.
Having witnessed his team talk first hand that's laughable.

I'd think either are more than capable of doing the job one day.
But I'd have giz top of my list.

I'm with you on his lack of experience - and the longer he stays out of RL, the more of a problem this becomes.

But I'm sorry, the bit I've underlined is utter crap.

If you don't know Shaun - and you clearly don't, because you're basing this assumption on a TB interview - then you shouldn't spout such gibberish.

As a fan whose team was left in bits by Wigan teams in which he featured I used to think that he was. Having since met him I can assure you he isn't.

I am basing it on a TV interview, yes. That's why I put "he came across"

Iv never claimed to have "known him" or even "met him"

But it also appears that you are using that perception as part of your reasoning for not wanting him to coach Wigan.

Any times I have met him I have I found him to be very polite and certainly not the great "I am."

Met Shaun a few times over the years. He's a very quiet and unassuming family man.
He was a bit livelier in his younger years (which of us aren't)?

Watched 'Time of our Lives' a few times and never got this impression at all. In fact I feel he seemed the most nervous of the three.

Offiah and Hanley came across much more relaxed, due to more media training experience I'd expect!

Maybe not in an official capacity, but he was a top grade coach at 18 years old. Achieved at the same time as Ellery and Daryl Powell I think.

I agree with MattyB re the telly program, just seemed nervous and humble.

Not at all, there's a long list of coaches in the NRL I'd have before an inexperienced ex player just because "he's a Wiganer" and "he loves the club" because let's be honest, at the moment they are the only 2 arguements in his favour. He'd have to prove himself coaching the younger ages first, then be an assistant for 2/3 years before he was even considered IMO, same as wane had to do.

You definitely don't know Shaun. Grew up with him, he's as down to earth as you can get.

In an age of people walking out mid-contract - primarily top Aussies from the NRL - I'd have thought that 'loving the club' would be worth a bit more to us than it used to be.

dean bell wasnt there